Among the many historical associations of the village of Wishford, none is treasured more highly than the record of the proceedings at the Court held in Grovely Forest on March 15th 1603, which sets out the rights of the villagers in the forest. I have seen a copy of this document and it is very interesting.

Since 1603 the people of Wishford have reaffirmed their rights to collect wood by travelling to Salisbury Cathedral and shouting “Grovely Grovely Grovely and all Grovely!” Then, on returning back to their village, they would all enjoy music, maypole dancing, stalls and general merriment.

It is unfortunate, therefore, that this Friday, May 29 the traditional Wishford Oak Apple Day has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus situation. This has also forced them to cancel the celebrations associated with this occasion.

History shows us that Mrs Matilda King, who died in 1937 at the age of 82, was one of the keenest supporters of the Wishford villagers’ rights in Grovely Wood where she carried oak boughs to Salisbury Cathedral and danced in the Close.

It is perhaps apt that she should have died so soon after Oak Apple Day, the great day in Wishford’s life, with which she had herself been so closely associated. For about half a century she was one of the women who walked at the head of the procession, immediately behind the Oak Apple Club banner, carrying wood faggots on their heads. On arrival in Salisbury, Mrs King in old age, would watch as the maidens danced in the Close, and afterwards she would join them in the Cathedral laying oak boughs on the high altar.

The Wishford Oak Apple Club was founded in 1892 to ensure that the privileges of the village should never be infringed or allowed to lapse. I am sure that the present day club, even in these days of uncertainty, will keep the spirit of this wonderful tradition alive.